Strong tremors were felt up to 36km away, but no injuries or building collapses had been reported, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Schools across Zadoi were suspended and students evacuated, CCTV added.

A series of aftershocks continued to hit the area after the first quake, with the strongest measuring 4.2.

The US Geological Survey said the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.4 and a depth of 32km.

In April 2010, a magnitude 6.9 quake struck adjacent Yushu county, killing 2,700 people and injuring more than 10,000. The quake’s epicentre was close to monastery town of Gyegu, where 85 per cent of mostly timber and earthen buildings were destroyed.